The Lords of Discipline

This powerful and breathtaking novel is the story of four cadets who have become bloodbrothers. Together they will encounter the hell of hazing and the rabid, raunchy and dangerously secretive atmosphere of an arrogant and proud military institute. They will experience the violence. The passion. The rage. The friendship. The loyalty. The betrayal. Together, they will brace themselves for the brutal transition to manhood... and one will not survive.

The Prestige

In 1878, two young stage magicians clash in the dark during the course of a fraudulent séance. From this moment on, their lives become webs of deceit and revelation as they vie to outwit and expose each other. In the course of pursuing each other's ruin, they will deploy all the deception their magician's craft can command. Their rivalry will take them to the peaks of their careers, but with terrible consequences.

The Child Thief: A Novel

A troubled World War I veteran races across the frozen steppe of 1930's Ukraine to save a child from a shadowy killer with unthinkable plans. Luka is a war veteran who now wants nothing more than to have a quiet life with his family. His village has, so far, remained hidden from the advancing Soviet brutality. But everything changes the day a stranger arrives, pulling a sled bearing a terrible cargo. In the chaos, a little girl has vanished, and Luka is the only man with the skills to find the stolen child and her kidnapper.

The Book of the Unnamed Midwife: The Road to Nowhere, Book 1

When she fell asleep, the world was doomed. When she awoke, it was dead. In the wake of a fever that decimated the earth's population - killing women and children and making childbirth deadly for the mother and infant - the midwife must pick her way through the bones of the world she once knew to find her place in this dangerous new one. Gone are the pillars of civilization. All that remains is power - and the strong who possess it.

The Last Don

The last don is Domenico Clericuzio, a wise and ruthless man who is determined to see his heirs established in legitimate society but whose vision is threatened when secrets from the family's past spark a vicious war between two blood cousins. This is a mesmerizing tale that takes us inside the equally corrupt worlds of the mob, the movie industry and the casinos - where beautiful actresses and ruthless hit men are ruled by lust and violence.

In this vivid and compelling novel, Tim Murphy follows a diverse set of characters whose fates intertwine in an iconic building in Manhattan's East Village, the Christodora. The Christodora is home to Milly and Jared, a privileged young couple with artistic ambitions. Their neighbor, Hector, a Puerto Rican gay man who was once a celebrated AIDS activist but is now a lonely addict, becomes connected to Milly and Jared's lives in ways none of them can anticipate.

A Brief History of Seven Killings

Winner, The Man Booker Prize, 2015 Deftly spanning decades and continents and peopled with a wide range of characters - assassins, journalists, drug dealers, and even ghosts - A Brief History of Seven Killings is the fictional exploration of that dangerous and unstable time and its bloody aftermath, from the streets and slums of Kingston in the 1970s, to the crack wars in 1980s New York, to a radically altered Jamaica in the 1990s.

The Exorcist: 40th Anniversary Edition

Four decades after it first shook the nation, then the world, William Peter Blatty's thrilling masterwork of faith and demonic possession returns in an even more powerful form. Raw and profane, shocking and blood-chilling, it remains a modern parable of good and evil and perhaps the most terrifying novel ever written.

No Country for Old Men

Cormac McCarthy, best-selling author of National Book Award winner All the Pretty Horses, delivers his first new novel in seven years. Written in muscular prose, No Country for Old Men is a powerful tale of the West that moves at a blistering pace.

The Silver Linings Playbook: A Novel

During his years in a neural-health facility, Pat Peoples has formulated a theory about silver linings. He believes that his life is a movie produced by God, that his mission is to become physically fit and emotionally supportive, and that if he succeeds, his happy ending will be the return of his estranged wife, Nikki. When Pat goes to live with his parents, everything seems changed: no one will talk to him about Nikki, and his new therapist seems to be recommending adultery as a form of therapy.

Cold Sassy Tree

The one thing you can depend on in Cold Sassy, Georgia, is that word gets around fast. If the preacher's wife's petticoat shows, the ladies will make the talk last a week. But on July 5, 1906, things take a scandalous turn. That is the day E. Rucker Blakeslee, proprietor of the general store and barely three weeks a widower, elopes with Miss Love Simpson, a woman half his age and, worse yet, a Yankee!

Al Capone: His Life, Legacy, and Legend

From his heyday to the present moment, Al Capone - Public Enemy Number One - has gripped popular imagination. Rising from humble Brooklyn roots, Capone went on to become the most infamous gangster in American history. At the height of Prohibition, his multimillion-dollar Chicago bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling operation dominated the organized-crime scene.

The One Man: A Novel

It's 1944. Physics professor Alfred Mendel and his family are trying to flee Paris when they are caught and forced onto a train along with thousands of other Jewish families. At the other end of the long, torturous train ride, Alfred is separated from his family and sent to the men's camp, where all of his belongings are tossed on a roaring fire. His books, his papers, his life's work. The Nazis have no idea what they have just destroyed. And without that physical record, Alfred is one of only two people in the world with his particular knowledge.

Digging Up Mother: A Love Story

Doug Stanhope is one of the most critically acclaimed and stridently unrepentant comedians of his generation. What will surprise some is that he owes so much of his dark and sometimes uncomfortably honest sense of humor to his mother, Bonnie.

Full Dark, No Stars

"I believe there is another man inside every man, a stranger...." writes Wilfred Leland James in the early pages of the riveting confession that makes up "1922", the first in this pitch-black quartet of mesmerizing tales from Stephen King. For James, that stranger is awakened when his wife, Arlette, proposes selling off the family homestead and moving to Omaha, setting in motion a gruesome train of murder and madness.

My Year of Meats

Jane, a struggling filmmaker in New York, is given her big break, a chance to travel through the United States to produce a Japanese television program sponsored by American meat exporters. Meanwhile, Akiko, a painfully thin Japanese woman struggling with bulimia, is being pressured by her child-craving husband to put some meat on her bones, literally.

Deviant: The Shocking True Story of Ed Gein, the Original "Psycho"

From "America's principal chronicler of its greatest psychopathic killers" (Boston Book Review) comes the definitive account of Ed Gein, a mild-mannered Wisconsin farmhand who stunned an unsuspecting nation - and redefined the meaning of the word psycho.

Behind Closed Doors

Everyone knows a couple like Jack and Grace. He has looks and wealth; she has charm and elegance. He's a dedicated attorney who has never lost a case; she is a flawless homemaker, a masterful gardener and cook, and dotes on her disabled younger sister. Though they are still newlyweds, they seem to have it all. You might not want to like them, but you do. You're hopelessly charmed by the ease and comfort of their home, by the graciousness of the dinner parties they throw. You’d like to get to know Grace better.

The Highwayman: A Longmire Story

When Wyoming highway patrolman Rosey Wayman is transferred to the beautiful and imposing landscape of the Wind River Canyon, an area the troopers refer to as no-man's-land because of the lack of radio communication, she starts receiving "officer needs assistance" calls. The problem? They're coming from Bobby Womack, a legendary Arapaho patrolman who met a fiery death in the canyon almost a half century ago.

Fishbowl: A Novel

A goldfish named Ian is falling from the 27th-floor balcony on which his fishbowl sits. He's longed for adventure, so when the opportunity arises, he escapes from his bowl, clears the balcony railing and finds himself airborne. Plummeting toward the street below, Ian witnesses the lives of the Seville on Roxy residents.

Black Hawk Down

Ninety-nine elite American soldiers are trapped in the middle of a hostile city. As night falls, they are surrounded by thousands of enemy gunmen. Their wounded are bleeding to death. Their ammunition and supplies are dwindling. This is the story of how they got there - and how they fought their way out. Black Hawk Down drops you into a crowded marketplace in the heart of Mogadishu, Somalia with the U.S. Special Forces and puts you in the middle of the most intense firelight American soldiers have fought since the Vietnam war.

Catching the Wolf of Wall Street: More Incredible True Stories of Fortunes, Schemes, Parties, and Prison

In this astounding account, Wall Street's notorious bad boy - and original million-dollar-a-month stock chopper - leads us through a drama worthy of The Sopranos, from his early rise to power to the FBI raid on his estate to the endless indictments at his arrest, to his deal with a bloodthirsty prosecutor to rat on his oldest friends and colleagues - while they were doing the same.

The Girl Before

Clara Lawson is torn from her life in an instant. Without warning, her home is invaded by armed men, and she finds herself separated from her beloved husband and daughters. The last thing her husband yells to her is to say nothing. In chapters that alternate between past and present, the novel slowly unpeels the layers of Clara's fractured life. We see her growing up, raised with her sisters by the stern Mama and Papa G, becoming a poised and educated young woman, falling desperately in love with the forbidden son of her adoptive parents.

Publisher's Summary

The smash-hit best seller that inspired the acclaimed 1972 film starring Jon Voight, Burt Reynolds, Ned Beatty, and Ronny Cox is now available in unabridged audio for the very first time.

The setting is the Georgia wilderness, where the state's most remote white-water river awaits. In the thundering froth of that river, in its echoing stone canyons, four men on a canoe trip discover a freedom and exhilaration beyond compare. And then, in a moment of horror, the adventure turns into a struggle for survival as one man becomes a human hunter who is offered his own harrowing deliverance.

This classic tale is vividly read by movie and TV star and Audie Award-winning narrator Will Patton.

A gazillion years ago, a friend and I were lurking and prowling in used book stores in San Diego. We separated, then when we met up again, my friend asked, 'Did you find anything good?' "A few things," I said. "But I was looking for a copy of 'Deliverance' and didn't find it." "You're not missing anything," he replied.

Among everything that's happened in my life since, that remark still stands out as one of the most seriously mistaken. Based on his advice, I sort of stopped looking for it, but when the paper copy and I finally did connect, I was astonished. "Deliverance" is an unqualified masterpiece. Now, I've read it about three times and just finished listening for the first time -- and I tell ya, the audio version is even better than the printed version. I normally listen to audiobooks when I'm doing some sort of mindless task, and many times during "Deliverance" I found that I'd just stopped what I was doing and just stood there, listening. It's totally captivating and consuming.

I suppose my friend's mistaken opinion of "Deliverance" was based on the film -- which I've now seen, too. Once. Indeed, the film is brutal and harsh -- scary, in the vicious savagery it depicts. The book stands in stark contrast -- tense? Yes. In fact, I'd be surprised if this book weren't used in writing classes, to demonstrate the proper way to build tension until it becomes almost unbearable. In the first few chapters especially, you just know something awful is going to happen -- you're just waiting for something to explode. And it does, of course -- but in the book, those terrible scenes we remember from the film take up just a few pages. By today's standards, in the book, it's not even especially violent.

What does linger in the mind is the poetry of the whole thing -- a river runs through the whole story, with Dickey's marvelous commentary on its almost ethereal beauty, its symbolism as a life force, for good or bad, and the danger it can represent.

It's also time for me to issue an apology to narrator Will Patton. The truth is, since listening -- trying to listen -- to several of the James Lee Burke books Patton has narrated, I've avoided any other books listing him as narrator. The Burke books are -- my opinion -- annoying, in that Patton sounds as though he's either drunk or half asleep or maybe both. For me, it's not a pleasant thing to listen to. But here? Oh, my. He's perfect -- none of that drugged-out sort of talk, nothing like that. Not only do I have no complaints, but I have nothing but the highest praise for his work here. Sorry 'bout that, Mr. Patton. Now I'm going to see what other books -- other than the Dave Robicheaux series -- he's narrated. Maybe that half-asleep silliness was just an affectation for those books alone.

Bottom line: if you haven't read "Deliverance" yet, you've got a treat in store for you. Forget the movie. Listen to the audio version -- marvelous, just marvelous.

This story moves with all the force of the furious river at its center! We know from the first paragraph that nothing good will happen to these weekend warriors - but the ultimate sequence of events is beyond imagining. Having seen the movie long ago I knew it would be intense, but as usual, the book that spawns a great movie is a real masterpiece. Will Patton is my favorite narrator and this book is perfectly suited to his voice.

I must have seen the movie two or three decades ago. It seemed a testosterone driven story. So I wasn't sure. A good novel transends genre, though. I enjoyed the story very much. I was pleased that the story continues after they get off the river finally and gives you an idea of how this horrific experience has affected their lives thereafter. Very well written. Interesting and compelling enough that I stayed with it and finished in one day. I actually liked the slower portions of the book as it gave you insight into the central character. I thought the pacing of the story varied nicely.

I remember reading this book when I was a young lad and enjoying every turned page. I remember the movie both engaging me and holding me in suspense. Without a doubt Will Patton is quickly becoming one of my favorite narrators. His voice is as enthralling as it is mesmerizing. I always loved him as an actor, now I love him even more as a narrator of excellent audiobooks. He first grabbed me when I listened to the abridged edition of Gone South by Robert McCammon (a two cassette edition done years and years ago, my favorite author--three of his books are in my top five favorites of all time--Boy's Life, Swan Song, and The Wolf's Hour, by the way).

The story is as strong as a raging river which cannot be denied its sacrifices. The reading greatly matches Dickey's superb storytelling!

Yes, I have seen the movie a couple of times. Why I waited 25 years to read(listen) to the book is a mystery. At it's core this is a tale of the extremes of life. Ed Gentry owns and operates an ad agency and is bored to tears. He takes a trip with his friends hoping to burn away the cobwebs that have appeared in his life. The real reason he goes, however, is simply to pacify his pal Lewis Medlock, who is a survivalist and outdoor nut. Ed even hopes that some last minute emergency can stop the trip. It does not. And readers are propelled faster and faster to the horror of Ed's moment of truth, when he thinks he must kill another man. And it is not a quick decision, at least not what might be thought of as instantaneous. Ed has plenty of time to track his prey, notice what the other man is wearing. He also realizes the other man is tracking him, and that is the actual moment of decision. Ed must decide in a fraction of a second what to do.

Author James Dickey writes with a poet's mastery of language. Descriptions of the hill people, the forest, mountains and the river are lyrically connected. A reader feels as if he is watching everything unfold. The two most enduring scenes from the movie involve rape and dueling banjos. As important and captivating as those two moments are there are many other episodes that will hold the listener(reader) enthralled. This is a true tale of survival.

I was a little hesitant about listening to the book since I have seen the movie several times. However, the fact that Will Patton is the narrator won me over. I'm very glad too! The movie followed the book very closely, but the book gave so much more insight into who the men are, what they are doing on the river, and why they each had such different reactions. The story is captivating--in spite of the fact that I knew the ending! Will Patton is a perfect narrator for the story. It was fun!

It sure didn't take long to get into this book and then not be able to let go of it. I just love a book that I cannot put down, or in this case, turn off! I found my shoulders continually hunched up and my knuckles white throughout most of it. What a great adventure story! When I started it, I was afraid it would be besought with swearing, given that it's a guy thing, but although there was a little, it was mostly just good writing and a great story. Thank you James Dickey! I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

The performance by Will Patton was spot-on. I felt like I was living this nightmare right along with the characters, and when it was over, I missed them.

The worst thing about finishing a story like this is picking out the next one and then being disappointed when it is not as good.

It is not hyperbole for me to say that James Dickey should be spoken of in the same breath as ANY classic american author. He's a poet and genius. This book was done an injustice by the movie being made. I think more people would have read it if it could have been appreciated for the beautiful piece of literature that it is. The fact that Will Patton reads it only makes it more perfect. Expectations cannot be too high when starting this book.

This book has a good premise from which to build a story from, then James Dickey writes a spectacular book around it. The dialog is tense, realistic and moving. The book captures the events and the emotions surrounding them in a way that is unique and sharp and real. I felt like I was there, on that trip, part of the action. If you have seen the movie and do not think you would like the book, which is how I felt, put that prejudice aside this is a top tier piece of literature, it is written with talent and feeling and it will surprise you.

I remember the movie from long ago, and never even knew it was from a book...until now. And what a book it is! Once they get into the woods and on that boat, believe me...you are going for a ride right along with them!

You're going to feel thrashed around on that white river, you're going to smell the moss and molds of the forest, you're going to grab your side and wince when one of the characters gets hurt. You are going into a place where you'd never dare enter outside of these 'pages', so hang on, buckle up, and enjoy the ride!

One of the best downloads I have purchased from audible. I have listened to this adventure countless times, now. And never get bored with it: the language, the characters, the mood, the description.

Worth every pound.

7 of 7 people found this review helpful

Kindle Customerr

BURTON ON TRENT, United Kingdom

10/31/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"excellent"

If you could sum up Deliverance in three words, what would they be?

very very good

What did you like best about this story?

l have seen the movie but the book seems to be excellent a very good read

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Andrew

Manchester, United Kingdom

8/2/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Harrowing, exciting and thought-provoking."

I really enjoyed this. Having seen the film, I was aware of how much hearing the characters' thoughts and motivations added to the story. It's one of the most realistic thrillers I've come across, which is where a lot of its power lies.

The reading by Will Patton is perfect, with all the emotions of the narrator tainting the edge of his voice until it's hard to believe that this isn't the voice of Ed himself, recounting his horrific and painful memories for you personally.

The only downside with the novel, for me, was that it meandered here and there, and perhaps the ending (detailing the aftermath) seemed to drag a little. It's forgivable, as these wordy sections are usually describing the awe, fear and spiritual experiences Ed goes through in the environment and the situation - his reason for being there. But these details of his connections with nature grated on me slightly when I so badly wanted to see how the next plot point would turn out.

Definitely recommended.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

kmcca5

Deepest Darkest Yapton, West Sussex

8/7/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"You ain't from around here are ya boy?"

Any additional comments?

Love the film, love the music from the film so was over the moon when I saw this in audible form.

Enjoyed the story, beautify written if a little dated in places and got through it in two sittings. The narrator and writer paints the picture in your head with ease. Fast paced and packed with hill billies, what is not to like…. Well there is that one bit, you know the squeal piggy bit that is a quite difficult to listen to but I was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t too gratuitous in that direction. Well worth the hours and would recommend.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

garry

nottingham, United Kingdom

7/24/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Squeal Like A Pig!"

Would you try another book written by James Dickey or narrated by Will Patton?

yes

What did you like best about this story?

It was very much like the classic movie

What does Will Patton bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you had only read the book?

He brings the book to life

Any additional comments?

A good book for all movie buffs

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

P. Mckenny

Bristol , UK

7/16/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Its ok"

I am 39 years old and probably came across the film around 15 years ago and watched, thinking it was pretty good.. a but dated, but good.

The book is the same, its a bit 'waffly' it goes on and on and not a lot happens at times.I found the narraters 'hushed' voice a bit tiresome after a while. I was after some good old red neck nastyness and this doesnt really deliver.

It does explain the river and woods a lot, maybe thats the point of the book.

0 of 1 people found this review helpful

Gavin

Dunbar, United Kingdom

12/4/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"A proper Story - Simple and brilliantly written"

Not my normal read. It is very macho but I had loved the film and when I saw this in one of the deals I thought I had nothing to loose. It was so much better than OK I really enjoyed it and the fact it was very similar to the film. The story lines were true to each other but the book had more grit to it and felt more real.What surprised me was how well the human bonds were depicted in the story and how much sympathy I felt for the character.Definitely a great compulsive read and I was left wishing there were more James Dickey Novels out there.Good one

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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